Universities play a fundamental role in regional development by training qualified professionals, generating knowledge and engaging with the community. In Foz, the most notable are UNIOESTE – State University of Western Paraná and UNILA – Federal University for Latin American Integration.
Last week, during the Marco Zero program, Diana Araujo Pereira, elected rector of UNILA, and professors Tércio Vieira de Araújo and Rosislene de Fátima Fontana, from UNIOESTE, were interviewed.
Diana Araujo Pereira, professor-elect and already appointed rector of UNILA, addressed the challenges of the Federal University of Latin American Integration, and Tércio Vieira de Araújo with Rosislene de Fátima Fontana, professors at the State University of Western Paraná, spoke about UNIOESTE.
UNIOESTE, as discussed during the Marco Zero program, is a higher education institution that has dedicated itself not only to training professionals, but also to strengthening the local community. The university offers a variety of courses that cover different areas of knowledge, such as Applied Social Sciences, Exact Sciences and Education. This wide range of courses helps meet regional demands, training professionals who are qualified and prepared for the challenges of the job market.
Furthermore, UNIOESTE stands out for its outreach projects, in which the university engages directly with the community. The “Conexão CCSA” project is a notable example, promoting integration between the courses in Administration, Accounting, Law, Hospitality and Tourism. This integration enables partnerships and collaborations with the community, resulting in tangible benefits for all involved.
Another highlight of UNIOESTE is the tax education program, developed in partnership with PTI – Itaipu Technological Park. This program aims to improve the understanding and administration of taxes, raising awareness among the population and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the region. This initiative demonstrates the university's commitment to finding solutions to the challenges faced by the community, going beyond the traditional academic environment.
Likewise, UNILA, as discussed during the interview with Rector Diana Araújo Pereira, also aims to strengthen its presence in the trinational region of the Brazil-Paraguay-Argentina border. The implementation of a local entrance exam and the strengthening of the infrastructure of existing courses are important actions to increase the participation of students in the region and improve the quality of education offered.
Furthermore, UNILA recognizes the importance of partnerships with public and private institutions to achieve its goals. The rector highlighted the representativeness of being the second woman elected to the position, emphasizing the progress towards gender equity. This representation is crucial to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in the academic environment.
The ongoing work on the Niemeyer campus and the possibility of establishing new campuses in strategic locations demonstrate UNILA's commitment to expanding its accessibility and reach, getting even closer to the community and contributing to regional development.
It is important to highlight that both UNIOESTE and UNILA are free public institutions, focused on the public interest. This characteristic guarantees equal access to quality education, contributing to the reduction of social inequalities and to the sustainable development of the regions in which they are located.
In view of this, it is clear that universities play a fundamental role in promoting regional development. Training qualified professionals, generating knowledge and interacting with the community are key elements in driving socioeconomic growth and the well-being of the population. It is necessary to value and support the initiatives of these institutions, recognizing the positive impact they have on society as a whole.
Therefore, it is essential that governments, the private sector and the community itself recognize the value of universities as agents of transformation and invest in their infrastructure, research and outreach. Only then will we be able to reap the rewards of quality education and the commitment of universities to regional development, promoting a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
*Claudio Siqueira is a graphic designer, video editor, anthropology student, citizen of Iguaçu and opinion writer in his spare time.
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This text is the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of H2FOZ.
